Archive for June, 2008

Public safety is the concern leading to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office ordering a ban on any boat operations on the Iowa River, Skunk River, and English Rivers. It says that no one can enter into the areas affected by flooding unless authorized by the officer in charge if the search and rescue or disaster operation.

The Washington armory is housing soldiers from the 134th Medical, and other National Guard units from the area. The armory is across from the Washington Hy-vee.

These items are especially needed to be donated; drop them off any time of the day:-ice (they need plenty)-personal-sized hand sanitizer-individual packaged snacks like granola bars (or other “grab and go” snacks)-water-Gatorade

The Washington County Engineer’s Office announces the following roads are closed due to flooding:

* Nutmeg Ave and Poplar Blvd southeast of Kalona Dogwood Ave at McKains Access northwest of Brighton * 250th Street northeast of Ainsworth * Willow Ave north of 130th Street east of Riverside * Locust Street in the city of Coppock * 130th Street east of old 218 * 150th Street near the Johnson-Washington County line

Residents encountering flooded roadways should turn around and not attempt to drive through water. Residents may contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 319-653-2107 if they encounter additional flooded roadways.

The effort in Columbus Junction may not overcome the rising water. Volunteer Mary Wilson says they are at a turning point. The water is rising faster than they can handle, they are ceasing sandbagging operations.

They no longer want people to use the water in Columbus Junction, although it is not contaminated. Columbus City is having their water shut off.

Some people’s homes will likely be abandoned to rising water, some may be seeking shelter. Wilson says that city leaders and officials are meeting to assess the next step.

All roads leading north and east of Columbus Junction, Wapello and Oakville are closed. That includes Highway 61, Highway 70 and County Road X-61, (which is Stewart Road), and all other secondary roads.

This situation could last many days and possibly more than a week according to the Louisa County Sheriff.

Code Red Alert from the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office states there is a mandatory evacuation of Oakville and surrounding bottoms. This includes areas north of the Hawkeye Dolby Ditch to the Iowa River Bridge West of Oakville. Residents must be evacuated by 8 a.m. Monday (6/16/2008) morning. Officers ask that you place a white piece of paper on the front door to let them know the residence has indeed been evacuated. National Guard are being sent to the area for security. Please remember:

Solid Rock Baptist Church 14041 Locust Street, Wapello, 523-5320

-Will be a local shelter 24/7

-Will be serving 2 meals a day at noon and evening

-They will be serving residents needs through the duration of the flood and until it is

safe for families to return to their homes

-They are setting up mobile shower and laundry facilities

-You may go just for meals or showering even if you do not need to stay at the shelter

-They currently do not need supply support as they are being supported by the Red Cross

Columbus Junction reportedly remains very low or out of bags for sandbagging. But volunteers are still needed. Ann Moore from the Washington Chamber of Commerce says they can use help serving meals at the American Legion in Columbus Junction.

The Iowa River at Columbus Junction has now surpassed the record level set in 1993. The Friday at 1 p.m. observation from the U.S. Geological Survey shows 28.41 feet. The previous record was 28.3. The forecast currently shows the level could reach 33.2 feet by Monday.

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort is organizing volunteers to help sandbag in various locations that are in need of assistance. A shuttle will provide transportation to and from the work sites, departing from the casino on:

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Depart at 8 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m.

Depart at 1:00 p.m. and return at 4:30 p.m.

Depart at 5:00 p.m. and return at 9:30 p.m.

· Volunteers need to meet in front of the security desk or at the employee entrance of the casino (East side of the building) before the departure times.